This year, the traditional celebration of the Bastille Day organised by the French RSL Association, took an very special turn thanks to the ceremony of Legion of Honor bestowed to its vice-president, Mr Gilbert Charbonnier.

After a speech by Mr Claude Midon, the audience commemorated the  French and Australian soldiers who gave their lives to protect the values of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity so dear to the French Republic.

Afterwards, Mrs Jeannine Sandmayer presented Mr Gilbert Charbonnier with the French Legion of Honor in a moving ceremony including his family and dignitaries.

Mr Charbonnier, who has been living in Australia for 40 years, spoke of the challenges he faced as a soldier while serving in the Algerian war.